BIRATNAGAR: Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki has reportedly refused to step down unless the CPN-UML formally decides to remove him through its party secretariat, amid growing internal disputes over the province’s leadership.
The development follows a power-sharing agreement between the CPN-UML and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), under which the UML is set to lead the Koshi provincial government.
According to party sources, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli wants to replace Karki with Taplejung lawmaker Til Kumar Menyangbo. Oli is said to have assured Menyangbo on Saturday that he would be appointed the next chief minister.
Karki, who currently leads the provincial government with the support of the Nepali Congress, reportedly met Oli on Friday after learning of the plan to replace him. While details of the meeting have not been disclosed, sources said Karki argued that it would be inappropriate for him to resign while his government was delivering results.
The report says Karki has made it clear he will not resign on the basis of Oli’s verbal instruction alone. Instead, he insists that any decision requiring him to leave office must be formally endorsed by the UML secretariat.
The issue has reportedly exposed differences within the UML leadership. While Oli is backing Menyangbo, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel is said to favour allowing Karki to continue in office.
Karki is also reported to have raised the issue with UML Koshi Province Chair Ghanshyam Khatiwada during a meeting in Biratnagar on Saturday, reiterating that he would not relinquish the post without an official party decision.
Khatiwada, however, said no UML committee has formally decided to replace the chief minister.
Under Article 168(5) of Nepal’s Constitution, Karki was appointed chief minister. If he resigns, a new government can be formed under the same constitutional provision. A new chief minister would require the support of at least 47 members of the provincial assembly.
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